"If a doctor, lawyer, or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn't want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher's job." by Donald D. Quinn
I've never had large groups. Most of my teaching experience has been in private schools and companies. Currently, I have max 12 - 13 and in the in-company programs 1-2. I'm not familiar with techniques to be used in large groups, but from what I have read on the issue the point is to instill a sense of community. Technology can help in that we can have blogs, WebQuests... Bu the question is: Will teachers be willing to work longer hours?
Well, depending on the course, having 13 students means having a large group. I have a TOEFL prep course in the evening and I would say I have a large group. This prep course demands a lot from both the teacher and students. Especially when it comes to writing and speaking, I have to know what students are producing so that I can help them.
Well, I'll read more on how to manage large groups and I'll share my insights soon!
Helô
Working with 12-13 students can be a true relief for some teachers (who worked with 25-40 studetns at the same time, i.e). Still, even smaller groups (like you suggested) are prefered. The problem has always been, and will always been the lack of resources. That is why we have to be resourceful and achieve things with what we already have.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, working with large groups can be very demanding, and teachers really have to preapre thoroughly in order to achieve good response from students. Working extra hours? Well, if we don't do it nobody will. Also, if we make our efforts now in self-development it will be easier for us later.
Eldin
Eldin
Dear Helo
ReplyDeleteYou raised a very question which is 'Will teachers be willing to work longer?'
I think where the matter lies. Large classes such as mine can be easy to manage. I must confess that I spend a lot of time to prepare powerpoint slides and hotpotatoes exercises. Sometimes, I can download some exercises which I slightly adapt; Consider the number of handouts that you'll need in a class of 60 students, using a powerpoint slide with an projector solves the problem If teachers want to help students learn efficiently and communicate. Teachers can resort to use technology, but some teachers are nostalgic; classroom atmosphere is of a one-man-show, only the teacher is speaking students are not given the chance to be on tasks
Thus, it's not surprising to see standing aloof and be busy in other things.
Thanks
Laye
Helô...
ReplyDeleteYou do have a point when you say that a group of 13-15 students can be considered a large group depending on what you have to do with them, the time available and the resources you can count on.
I completely understand you when you mention the school policy. They won't split a group and pay two teachers when they "can" have just one even if problems are evident.
Anyway... we must find ways to cope with these difficulties and we always do, right?
Best,
Gilmar